OCSD Newsletter
September 2024 | Issue 57
Superintendent's Message
Dear Oberlin School Families,
I am excited to share with you the results of the recent State Report Card for the 2023-2024 academic year. Our district has earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars on the State Report Card. Oberlin City Schools “Met or Exceeded Standards” in all 5 components on the state report card. This accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and collaboration of our students, staff, families, and the entire community.
We are especially proud of the significant improvements in the Graduation Rate and Early Literacy areas. These areas reflect our commitment to supporting students at both the beginning and end of their K-12 journeys:
Graduation Rate: Our efforts to ensure every student is prepared for life beyond high school have led to an increase in our graduation rate, showcasing the strength of our college and career readiness programs. The district moved from 2 to 4 stars. We had a 98.6% graduation rate above the state average.
Early Literacy: We have seen notable progress in early literacy development, a critical foundation for future academic success. This achievement highlights the success of our targeted interventions and instructional strategies in the early grades. The district moved from 2 to 3 stars.
While we celebrate these successes, we remain focused on continuous improvement. We are committed to ensuring that all students, from kindergarten to their senior year, receive the support, guidance, and resources they need to reach their full potential.
We will continue to prioritize academic excellence, equity, and social-emotional learning as we work toward even greater achievements in the coming years. Your partnership and engagement are vital to this process, and we thank you for your continued support of Oberlin City Schools.
If you have any questions or would like more detailed information about our state report card, please do not hesitate to reach out. We look forward to working together to make Oberlin City Schools the best it can be for every child.
As a reminder, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest District news by following our Website and Blog Site!
Sincerely,
Dr. David Hall
Superintendent
What's Happening in Our Buildings!
Oberlin Elementary School
Life as a Box of Crayons
Try-It Tuesdays/Fresh Fruit Fridays
Coffee Chats at OES
All OES families are invited to join the monthly Coffee Chats! These informal gatherings offer a wonderful opportunity to connect with the administrative team, learn about school happenings, and ask questions. The goal is to keep guardians informed and involved in education.
The first conversation focused on “Starting the Year Strong: An Overview of Daily Life at OES.”
The second Coffee Chat will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 8 inside OES, 210 North Park Street. The topics for the evening will be the beginning of the year assessments, state requirements for reading (screening, Dyslexia, RIMPS, TGRG) intervention and enrichment opportunities.
School Pictures!
Students and staff - bring your SMILE to school on Wednesday, Sept. 25 for school picture day!
Water Filtration Simulation
LMS students have been doing a water-filtration simulation to visualize how dirty water must be filtered before it can be drank. This correlates with the “One School, One Book” titled “Long Walk to Water” which students have been discussing the last three weeks.
OHS Marching Band News
For the half-time show, the ALUMNI BAND will take the field!
Common Ground Experience
The Class of 2028 learned team-building exercises at Common Ground! Read about it HERE!
HoCo 2024
Tickets for HoCo 2024 are on sale during lunch periods at OHS!
OHS Phoenix Pride Day
OHS Phoenix Pride Day was held on Wednesday, Sept. 18. It was a day when all were encouraged to wear school colors and celebrate everything OBERLIN! It even included a cookout!
Athletic Department News
TICKET SALES
Phoenix Fans! Here is your Fall 2024 Ticket Information.
Home Fall Single Game Ticket Prices:
High School Events: $7, Middle School Events: $5
Home Fall Season Passes:
Adults $50, Students (Grades 6-12): $30
Students in 5th grade and below are free as well as our senior citizens who are 65 years or older (ID may be checked).
Single game tickets purchased online or with cash at the gate.
Season tickets are exclusively online.
Online single game tickets and season passes can be purchased from the District site HERE!
WINTER/SPRING SPORTS
You can sign up for middle school and high school winter and spring sports now on FinalForms. Click Here to sign up!
STAY CONNECTED
Stay connected to Oberlin Athletics by visiting the website HERE!
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Athletic Director Mr. Danny Zillich at dzillich@oberlinschools.net or Athletic Department Administrative Assistant Ms Diana C. Pierson at dpierson@oberlinschools.net.
Wellness Corner
Coping With a New School Year
As we approach the end of the fourth week of school, it's important to remember that there are still effective ways to adjust and cope, with the new year still feeling fresh!
Coping Skills:
1. Practice Mindfulness: Techniques like deep breathing and mindfulness can help manage anxiety. Apps or short daily practices can be effective.
2. Foster Open Communication: Encourage regular check-ins where students feel comfortable discussing their challenges and successes.
3. Build Resilience: Teach problem-solving skills and the importance of a growth mindset. Reframe setbacks as learning opportunities.
4. Encourage Healthy Habits: Balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
By preparing practically and emotionally, students and families can navigate the new months with ease and confidence!
If you need additional support or strategies, please reach out to Director of Student and Family Support Mr. Jay Nimene at jnimene@oberlinschools.net or (440) 776-4657.
Talking Finances w/ Treasurer Mr. Robert Rinehart
Levy Removed from Ballot
At the Oberlin City Schools Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, the decision was made to withdraw the 4.21-mill, 37-year bond issue for construction slated for voter approval on the November 5, 2024 ballot.
According to Oberlin City Schools District Treasurer Mr. Robert Rinehart, levy funds are no longer needed to support the construction of the new middle school building. The District is planning on funding the project through the new property valuations and property tax collected from NEXUS.
“We are happy to not have to ask voters for money outside of what their new property taxes will be starting in 2025,” Mr. Rinehart said.
Superintendent Dr. David Hall noted the new middle school facility will house students in grades six through eight. It will feature state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced technology and innovative learning spaces tailored to meet the unique needs of middle school students.
The new facility will represent a significant investment in the future of our community and the education of our students.
As a reminder, be sure to VOTE on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024!
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, the Oberlin City School District Board of Education held a Public Meeting Study Session to discuss the new 6-8 facility. During the session, OCSD Treasurer Mr. Robert Rinehart, provided information on how the District will fund the facility without requesting new funding from the community. This creative funding plan was due to a combined effort from our facilities team, Board of Education, community, and District staff.
Currently, the tentative timeline to move into the new 6-8 facility is August 2027.
Eastwood Elementary Update:
At the Facilities Public Board Study Session meeting on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Liberty Development provided an update on the Eastwood Property. The District is continuing to work with Liberty Development and the City of Oberlin to acquire the property.
News of Note
Free/Reduced Lunches
The District is still accepting applications for Free/Reduced Lunches. The District needs all parents/guardians to submit these applications for District funding. All information is confidential and not shared. The deadline to apply is Monday, September 30, 2024. For more information, or to see if you qualify, visit: https://ow.ly/uqs050Tj78Y
Oberlin Schools Alumni Association
Are you an alumni of Oberlin City School District? Consider joining the Oberlin Schools Alumni Association! For more information, visit the website by clicking HERE!